We are Blessed!

Our hearts are overflowing with thankfulness as we consider our lives after 35 years of marriage. The years haven’t all been cheery, especially during the time of grieving Abigail, but as God said in Joel 2:25-26,

“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust have eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you.”

Those years were very difficult, but God in His grace held us and kept us to see these days to enjoy together. And it is a feast.

We are blessed… Our children are growing in the Lord and pursuing their relationships with God. Each one is on their very own journey. It’s amazing to see what God is doing. Fifteen years ago, we were all in shock of the impact of the Evil One against us. It could’ve been catastrophic and completely so, but God’s grace was poured out on all of us. It wasn’t instantaneous nor is it even complete to this day, BUT His promise gives HOPE. We each want to grow to know God and know His voice.

We are blessed… We have 2 beautiful grand girls, Roni and Leeya. They are amazing to have around. Roni is beginning to talk incessantly in both English and Hebrew at the same time. Leeya just smiles and captures your heart. :)

We are blessed… We’re pretty sure you’ve heard us speak of Adam, a very close friend (almost a family member). He found Janelle by ‘only God can guide you on that path’ and, they are so happy. To God be the glory! We (Phil, Sasha and I) and Hannah, Elishua and Noah traveled to Mt Vernon, WA to celebrate their wedding. What a treat! God is amazing and we look forward to all He’s planned for them!

We are blessed… We spent time in the States this summer, and it seemed like everyday I was in awe of the beauty and magnificence of God’s creation - and it was all different - but all lovely. It was a wonderful reminder of His care and how minuscule we are. Yet, He created and loves each of us. And He allows us to enjoy all He’s created. We were able to visit quite a number of people, and we even had a picnic lunch with family I haven’t seen in 30-40 years.

We are blessed… As you well know our work involves a lot of people. It’s a privilege to be working in our congregation building people in their faith. This last year, it’s been clear that I needed to divide my job in two and find someone who would handle the administrative/organizing side. You remember Shay? Well, I was talking to him about the need and he said, “Well, I’m interested :)” I hadn’t thought of him because he had a job he liked. It took a bit of time, but Shay is our new administrator and he loves the job and the people he works with. Yay! This frees me up to meet with women with more of my time. Phil and I can also work on more ‘people’ together.

We are blessed… Sasha will be with us for at least this school year. Her parents continue to meet her each week. A prayer request is that the meeting with her mother could be moved to Thursdays so that they wouldn’t impact her school week as much. There is a lot to organize and get in the schedule, so this is a huge request. She loves Roni and Leeya and is thrilled when they come over for a visit.

We are blessed… Our congregation is continuing to grow. There are so many new people in the congregation and, although people stick around after the service on Shabbats, there is just not enough time to really get to know one another. Phil will be focusing on our home groups and how they are working, as well as leading a few of them. We are in the midst of ‘Fun Summer Nights’ one night each week. It’s a great opportunity for people to engage through activities designed around a Biblical text. About 40-70 people have been able to participate each week. A day hike/outing is being planned for the entire congregation just after Rosh HaShana. Please pray that we can put together a program that will have enough different things that everyone will enjoy during this time, but even more, pray that people get to know each other.

We are blessed… Our home and our work is possible because of your prayers and generous gifts. May you be blessed as He has blessed us through you!

Yours in the Messiah,